Despite economy, Farmers Market still popular

Customers more selective, vendors say.

Customers more selective, vendors say.

February 22, 2009|ALICIA GALLEGOS Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- With the economy having taken a recent nose dive, few industries haven't been touched by the scarcity of spending. Yet, spend a Saturday visiting the Farmers Market in South Bend and the steady crowds prove the local emporium is one extra that residents have not abandoned. "We've slowed down in other areas," said market regular Monica Hoban. "I think this is our one indulgence." Hoban and her husband Maury were visiting the market on Saturday as they do every week. Even as times have become tougher with Maury's auto industry job, the couple said they make time for their favorite shops and booths. Other customers and vendors on Saturday agreed that the market was still a popular weekend venture, although some admitted sales were down and that some shoppers seemed more selective than before. Bill Parcell, who runs "Parcell's Pantry," specializing in homemade cakes, noodles, and jam and mustard type items, said he sees customers taking more time to pick out their purchases. "People are thinking a bit more before they spend," he said. "It use to be three, four, five bucks wasn't to that big of a deal. Now, people are looking and kinda calculating in their mind." Parcell, whose family has had the booth for 60 years, said that sales are down some from the year before, but that his products are still selling fairly well. Over at Ms. Eve's Jewelry, owner Chere Gunter was busy showing customers her selection of necklaces, rings, and earrings. Despite her items being on the high-end side of the market, Gunter said her business has been excellent. She has noticed however, that more customers are only buying jewelry for major events, as opposed to minor occasions as they may have done in the past. "If you're buying few times, and fewer gifts," she said. "You're going to go where you can get nice things." One of those people was Mark Lombardi, who was at Gunter's jewelry counter shopping for his wife's birthday present. Lombardi said he visits the Farmers Market every Saturday, even if he just walks around browsing. Along with the produce booths, which remained some of the most frequented likely because of low prices, Julia Dierickx said her booth also remains secure despite the economy. "Babies are still being born," she said matter-of-factly. Dierickx, who runs her baby bootie booth with daughter Anne-Marie Eisenhart, sells knitted items such as bibs, slippers, towels, and baby footwear. Sweet Street is another route residents seem to be taking often during their market trips. The coffee and treat shop is doing better than previous years, says Ashley DeLoddere, whose family runs the shop.